Typewriter with yieldable type bar

ABSTRACT

A typewriter comprising a segment unit including a plurality of type bars pivotally supported in an arcuate array, the type bars being spring urged toward a common imprinting point and normally held in cocked positions by fixed latch shoulders. The type bars are yieldable laterally and are released from the latch shoulders by trip members pivotally supported in a second arcuate array concentric with the first arcuate array. The trip members are connected to respective depressible keys of a keyboard unit. Each type bar, during an imprinting movement, controls a power restore unit which actuates an arcuate restore bar to recock the actuated type bar. The segment unit, keyboard unit, and restore drive unit are separately manufactured sub-assemblies which are secured as independent units to a main frame to facilitate assembly and repair.

United States Patent Messner Oct. 21, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT [75] Inventor: George A. Messner, Olathe, Kans. A typewriter comprising a segment unit including a [73] ASS-lgnee: Thomas B- (ykemy Santa Barbara plurality of type bars pivotally supported in an arcuate Calif array, the type bars being spring urged toward a com mon imprinting point and normally held in cocked po- {22] Filed: Nov. 21,1974 sitions by fixed latch shoulders. The type bars are yieldable laterally and are released from the latch [21] Appl' 526004 shoulders by trip members pivotally supported in a second arcuate array concentric with the first arcuate [52] US. Cl 197/17; l97/27 array. The trip members are connected to respective [51] Int. Cl. 841.] 23/08 depressible keys of a keyboard unit Each type bar. [58] Field of Search 197/17, 27, 34 during an imprinting movement, controls a power restore unit which actuates an arcuate restore bar to re- [56] References Cited cock the actuated type bar. The segment unit. key- UNITED ST PATENTS board unit, and restore drive unit are separately manu- 246 776 11/1917 Nielsen [97/17 factured sub-assemblies which are secured as indepen- I I 8/1933 [97/17 dent units to a main frame to facilitate assembly and 2,254,764 9/1941 Yaeger i l97/l7 mpalr- 2,383,256 8/l945 Kittel l97/l7 Primary ExaminerHarland S. Skogquist 20 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures Attorney, Agent. or FirmFred Ni Schwend 25 r l' I 8/ l 88 L P as I I w /49 i l I, 70 as l 6 u /48 6/ .447 27 3 22 t:?f*" 1 44 M I aw- 7 4/ r M h 75/ v f z v I l \fwli 22 f .450 2* l4 g" 2:4 3 1- rpb'rrlw' J .5 J, tut A1, 5A

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"H +l 4: +4 4 2 46 41a U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 1 of4 3,913,720

US. Patent 06:. 21, 1975 Sheet 2 of4 3,913,720

US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet4 of4 3,913,720

TYPEWRITER WITH YIELDABLE TYPE BAR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to typewriters and like machines, and has particular reference to power operated typewriters embodying individual type bars for the various type characters to be printed.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, power driven typewriters of the above type generally evolved from manually operated typewriters and included a power drive member, such as a power roll or ratchet roll, and elements driven thereby which were added to the train of linkage extending from the keys to respective ones of the type bars. Such chain of mechanism is difficult to control since there are many moving parts. Because of this, the cost of manufacture and assembly is necessarily high, the reliability is correspondingly lower and precise adjustment of the various parts is required. Also, in such prior typewriters, the type bars were pivotally supported in an arcuate array to reach a common imprinting point while the rotatable power roll or other power drive element extended linearly across the group of type bars for rotation about its axis. Therefore, the linkage trains between the different type bars and the power drive element was not only different for the diffeerent type bars but involved a peculiar twisting movement between some of the elements of the linkage trains which were susceptible to binding forces and tended to reduce the reliability of the type action and also required precise adjustment of the parts.

Attempts have been made through the years to eliminate the above problems. For example, in the U.S. Pat. to Nielson No. 1,246,776, the type bars are spring urged toward the imprinting point and are restored therefrom by two rotatable power drums extending at an angle to each other so as to reduce to some extent the despairity between the arcuate array of the type bars and the linear arrangement of the power drums. Such construction, however, is very complicated and costly, and does not solve the problem. A better functional arrangement employing separate power drums for respective ones of the type bars with interconnecting universal joints to drive the drums would be far too complicated and unreliable in operation. Additionally, Nielson connects a restore element or link with each type bar which adds to the inertial mass of the type bar linkage and is susceptible to frictional binding forces due to the angular relation between the link and the power drum which tends to reduce the printing energy imparted to the type bar by its actuating spring and due to its peculiar motion also tends toward inconsistent operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a typewriter or the like machine is provided in which no type bar linkage is required other than the pivoted type bars themselves, thereby reducing to a minimum any inertial and binding forces which might otherwise interfere with the speed of the type action or render the same inconsistent in operation. Hence, also, the number of parts associated with different type bars is reduced to a minimum and such parts, e.e. trip members, are all of similar size and shape so as to reduce the number of production tools required to manufacture the typewriter.

The type bars are spring urged toward the imprinting point and are held in cocked positions by fixed latches integral with a segment element which pivotally supports the type bars in an arcuate array so as to all reach a common imprinting point. Release of the type bars is effected by laterally flexing the same until released from their latches. This reduces the number of parts, provides more reliable control of the type bars and also enables the springs to impel the type bars at appropriate and consistent speeds. That is, the springs are at their highest energy levels at the start of movement of the type bars so as to overcome the inertia and any static or moving frictional forces encountered by the type bars. Means are provided to adjust such energy levels of the springs as desired for the particular font used.

An arcuate restore bar which extends concentrically of the arcuate array of type bars is power actuated as an incident to the release of each type bar, to return any released bar to recocked position after an imprinting operation. Such actuation of the restore bar is actually initiated prior to impact of the type bar at the imprinting point. the restore bar is motor powered over the return stroke of the type bar, thereby resulting in an increase of typing speed.

The restore bar is common to all type bars and is normally out of engagement therewith so as to not interfere with the typing action. During the restore operation, the restore bar is driven in a direction parallel to an axis passing through the center of the concentric array of type bars so as to restore such type bars with a minimum amount of relative movement and with a minimum number of parts.

the drive for the restore bar includes a cam for driving the restore bar whereby the restoring action can be controlled as desired. For example, the cam may impart a uniformly accelerated movement to the type bars, through the restore bar, to return them to recocked positions at a maximum speed and with a minimum amount of shock.

The typewriter comprises three main sub-assemblies including a segment unit, a restore drive unit and a keyboard unit. Such units may be separately manufactured and independently assembled on a typewriter frame for ease in assembly or disassembly in the event of repair. Orientation between the three main sub-assemblies need not be precise for proper operation of the typewriter. lnterconnections between the sub-assemblies are minimal and are readily adjustable.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a typewriter or like machine having relatively few parts.

Another object is to improve the printing quality and reliability of a machine of the above type.

Another object is to increase the possible speed of typing of a machine of the above type.

Another object is to enable automatic repeat typing of different type characters.

A further object is to reduce the number of different parts required for a machine of the above type.

A still further object is to facilitate the assembly or disassembly of a machine of the above type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The manner in which the above and other objects of the invention are accomplished will be readily understood on reference to the following specification when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a side sectional view through the segment unit and is taken substantially along the line l] of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the segment unit and is taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a front view of part of one of the latch combs.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the type guide device and is taken in the direction of the arrow 3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary front sectional view illustrating the trip levers for the type bars and is taken substantially along the line 44 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view through one of the trip levers and is taken along the line 5--S of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5A 5A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating one of the outboard guides for the universal bar and the restore bar and is taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the restore drive unit.

FIG. 8 is a sectional plan view through the restore drive unit and is taken along the line 88 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view through the keyboard unit.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a connection of a keystem and its associated bail crank, and is taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view taken along the line 1l11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the brackets for the arcuate spring anchor pieces and is taken in the direction of the arrow 11 of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The typewriter comprises three main sub-assemblies, including a segment unit generally indicated at 11 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which is removably secured to a main frame partly indicated at 12 by screws 13 and 14; a keyboard unit generally indicated at 15 (FIG. 9) which is removably secured to the main frame 12 by screws, i.e. l6; and a restore drive unit generally indicated at 17 (FIGS. 7 and 8) which is removably secured to the main frame 12 by screws 18. Such units may be separately manufactured and independently mounted on the main frame 12 after which a certain links and other connecting elements to be described later are connected between various operating elements of such units.

SEGMENT UNIT The segment unit 11 (FIGS. 1 and 2) comprises a somewhat arcuate segment block or member 20 having a series of radially extending slots 21 formed in the front face thereof to receive relatively thin type bars 22 which are transversely flexible and are pivotally supported in an arcuate array by an arcuate fulcrum wire 23 fitted within openings formed in the block 20. Type slugs 24 carrying the usual type characters are suitably attached to the outer ends of the type bars 22.

Each type bar is urged clockwise toward a common imprinting point P on a paper supporting platen 25 by a spring 26 tensioned between a tail 22a on the type bar 22 and an arcuate spring anchor piece 27 which extends concentrically of the fulcrum wire 23. The anchor piece 27 (see also FIG. 12) is supported at its ends by brackets 28 fitted within radial slots 30 (FIG. 2) in the block 20 and held therein by the fulcrum wire 23 and the segment surface 155 (FIG. 12). Slots 30 are generally the same shape as slots 21 so they can be formed by the same cutter (not shown).

The anchor piece 27 has a series of holes 31 located at each spring location and aat different distances from the type bar tails 220 which enables each common spring 26 to be tensioned different amounts to provide different energy levels for its associated type bar 22. For example, it may be desired to impart lower energy levels to small type characters such as a comma. period, etc. and to impart higher energy levels to large type characters such as an M, W, etc.

Each type bar 22 is normally retained in its cocked position shown in full lines in FIG. 1 by one oftwo latch combs 33 and 34 (see also FIG. 2A) secured to the front face of the segment block 20 by screws 35. Latch combs 34 are formed of thin sheet metal having a series of downwardly tapering tines 36 provided with latch shoulders 37, against which the tails 22a of the associated type bars normally rest.

It will be noted that the latch shoulders 37 adjacent the center portion of the segment block 20, as viewed in FIG. 2, face outwardly whereas the latch teeth 37 adjacent the outer extremities of the block 20 face inwardly. This arrangement compensates for the different distribution of the type bar mass centers as they are normally distributed in the arcuate array.

Means are provided for selectively deflecting the tails 22a of the type bars 22 laterally to release the same from their latching shoulders 37 to enable springs 26 to impel the type bars to the imprinting point P. For this purpose. radially extending slots 40, FIG. 4, are formed along the lower portion of the segment block 20 to receive trip levers 41 located side-by-side with the tails 22a of respective ones of the type bars 22. The trip levers 41 are pivotally supported by a second arcuate fulcrum rod 42 which is concentric with fulcrum rod 23 and is supported in openings in the block 20. Thus, each trip lever 41 extends parallel to its associated type bar 22. The pivot connection for each trip lever 41 comprises an elongate slot 43 permitting the trip lever to be bodily moved rearward relative to the fulcrum rod 42 for a purpose to be described later.

Each trip lever 41 is normally yieldably held in its counterclockwise rocked position shown in full lines in FIG. 1 wherein an car 44 thereof engages the rear of the segment block 20. For this purpose, a spring 45 is tensioned between the lever 41 and a second arcuate anchor piece 46 which extends concentrically of the fulcrum wires 23 and 42 and is secured at its ends to brackets 47 (FIGS. 2 and 12) fitted within radially extending slots 48 in the segment block 20 and held therein by the fulcrum wire 42 and the segment surface 156 (FIG. 12). Slots 48 are generally the same shape as slots so they can be formed with the same cutter (not shown).

A series of anchor holes 50 are formed in the anchor piece 46 at each spring location to enable the energy levels of the common springs to be varied which will, in turn, vary the key touch as desired. Each spring 45 also normally holds its trip lever 41 in its forward illustrated position shown in solid lines wherein the rear end ofthe elongate slot 43 rests against the fulcrum rod 42.

Each trip lever 41 ha two cams SI and S2 thereon (see also FIGS. 5 and 5A) which are effective to cam the tail 22a of the respective type bar 22 off of its latch shoulder 37 when the trip lever 41 is rotated by depression of an associated key. When the key is depressed to a normal intermediate position, which will be described later. the lever 4| will be rocked clockwise to an intermediate position shown partly by dot and dash lines 4Ia, moving cam SI to its intermediate position Sla to cam release its type bar from its latching shoulder 37. During imprinting movement ofthe type bar 22 a tip 54 on the tail 22a thereof will describe an are A. As seen in FIG. 5, the cam SI has a straight outer side 55 extending perpendicular to the plane of the lever 4| and. in the event the operator is slow in releasing her finger from the associated key or if she deliberately holds the key in its intermediate depressed position. thereby holding the trip lever M in its intermediate position 41a. the type bar 22, upon being recocked counterclockwise in the manner to be described later. will cause the tip 54 to strike the side edge 55 of cam SI, thereby bodily displacing the trip lever 4| rearwardly over the fulcrum wire 42 until the point 54 passes over the cam SI and becomes relatched by the latch surface 37. thereby preventing a repeat action.

It should be noted that during the counterclockwise reeocking movement of the type bar 22, an inclined car 39 in the tail 22a thereof rides over the tapered edge 49, FIG. 2A. of the associated tine 36 on the latch comb. Le. 34. to laterally deflect the tail 22a until it reaches the latch shoulder 37.

When the operator removes her finger from the depressed key. the spring 45 rocks the trip lever 41 counterclockwise back to its normal illustrated position. In the event it is desired to cause automatic repeated typing action of a particular type character, the operator fully depresses the selected key against an added resistance as will be described later and will hold the key so depressed, causing the corresponding trip lever 41 to rock fully clockwise into its dot-dash line position 41!). Thus. the cam 51 will, as described before. release type bar 22 as trip lever 41 passes through its position 41a. Now, as trip lever 41 moves into its extreme clockwise rocked position 41!). the second cam 52 will come to rest directly in line with are A of type bar tail tip 54. Cam 54 has a smooth camming surface therearound as seen in FIG. 5A and has a high center section as seen in FIG. 4 and thus prevents type bar tail 220 from becoming relatched by latch shoulder 37 each time the type bar is restored so that a repeat typing operation will continue as long as the key is held fully depressed.

The restore drive unit 17, to be described in detail later, is controlled by an arcuate universal bar 60 which extends concentrically of the arcuate array of type bars 22 and fulcrum wire 23. Such bar 60 is secured at its mid section to a sensing shaft 61 which is suitably connected to the restore drive unit 17, as will be described later, and is supported for endwise movement in bearings 62 and .63 contained in the segment block 20. A compression spring 64 surrounds the sensing shaft 61 and urges the shaft and universal bar 60 forwardly to engage cam formations 65 formed on the various type bars 22. Thus, when any type bar 22 is released to be driven clockwise by its spring 26, its cam formation 65 will cam the universal bar 60 and sensing shaft 61 rearwartlly against the action of spring 64 to initiate opcranon of the restore drive unit.

The outer end portions of the universal bar are guided over guide surfaces 66. FIG. 6, formed on plans tic guide members 67 within slots 68. FIG. 2. In the scg ment block 20 and retained therein by the fulcrum wire 23 and slots 79 in members 67.

Means are provided to prevent release of one type bar 22 to the action of its spring 26. before another one has been substantially restored from its imprinting stroke so as to prevent jamming of two type bars at the imprinting stroke so as to prevent jamming of two type bars at the imprinting point. For this purpose. each type bar 22 is provided with a holding car tip 70 normally located adjacent the universal bar 60. As a type bar 22 is swung clockwise by its spring 26, the universal bar 60 is cammed rearwardly by the type bar cam thereby to underly the holding ear tips of all ofthe remaining type bars, thereby blocking any second type bar 22 which may be released from its latching shoulder 37. However, as the first type bar 22 is restored toward its cocked position. the universal bar 60 follows under the action of its spring 64 and will thus release the second type bar 22 to operate.

In order to restore any of the type bars 22 to its cocked position following an imprinting stroke. a hollow arcuate restore bar 73 is provided which extends concentrically of the arcuate array of type bars 22 and fulcrum wire 23. Restore baar 73 is secured at its mid section to a restore shaft 74 guided for endwise movement in bearings 75 and 76 contained in the segment block 20. Bar 73 is reciprocated between its full line position shown in FIG. I and 6 and its dot-dash line position 73a by the restore drive uunit 17 through restore bar 73. as will be described later. but is normally held in its forward position illustrated in FIG. 1 by a compression spring 77 fitted over shaft 74 to normally lo cate the restore bar out of engagement with the type bars 22.

The outer ends of the restore bar 73 are guided over guide surfaces 78 formed on the aforementioned guide members 67 (FIG. 6).

The segment block 20 has an arcuate banking or anvil ring formation 80 formed on the front face thereof which is engageable by each of the type bars 22 upon movement thereof to the imprinting point P to prevent phantom printing or smudging of a type character.

A combined type guide and type bar return spring device generally indicated at 81, FIGS. I, 2 and 3, is provided to accurately guide the outer ends of the type bars 22 toward the imprinting point.P and to cause a quick rebound of a type bar from such imprinting point. This device is mounted on a pair of spaced bosses 82 and 83 formed on the upper end of the segment block 20 and comprises a pair of spaced spring retainer plates 84 and 85, each having a notch 86 formed therein to retain the adjacent end of a normally straight return spring 87. Type guide plates 88 and are secured over the retaining plates 84 and 8S, respectively, and have type bar guide surfaces 89 formed along their'adjacent ends. Spring 87 has a diameter slightly smaller than the thickness of the plates 84 and 85, so that it may be guided laterally by the guide plates 88, 90 and upper surfaces of the bosses 82. 83 into its dot-dash line position 87 a by each type bar 22 as the latter moves into impact with the paper on the platen 25.

In assembling the device 81, the type guide plates 88 and 90 are mounted over the spring retainer plates 84 and 85, respectively. and are loosely held in place by clamp screws 190 which extend through enlarged openings 191 in the guide plates and openings 99 in the spring retainer plates 84 and 8S and are threaded into the bosses 82 and 83. the guide plates 88 and 90 are then accurately adjusted relative to each other and to the imprinting point P by means of a suitable gauge or the like (not shown). Thereafter, holes are drilled through the guide plates, spring retainer plates and bosses 82 and 83 to receive locating pins 94. Finally, the clamp screws 92 are secured in place.

During an imprinting action and just prior to striking the paper, a type bar 22 engages and deflects the return spring 78 into its dot-dash line position 87a. This stores energy in the spring 87 which is used to quickly return the type bar away from its imprinting position.

RESTORE DRIVE UNIT The restore drive unit, FIGS. 7 and 8, is mounted in a frame 100. A power shaft 101 is rotatably mounted in bearings 102 and 103 contained in the frame 100 and has secured thereto a pulley 104 which is continually driven by a suitable motor (not shown) through a belt 105 wrapped around the pulley 104.

A cam shaft 106 is rotatably mounted coextensively with the shaft 101 in bearings 107 and 108 contained in the frame 100. Shaft 106 has secured thereto a box cam 110 having a cam way 111 formed therein which is open at 112 to receive a cam follower roller 113 mounted on a carrier 114 which is adjustably secured to the rear end of the restore shaft 74 by a screw threaded connection 115.

A normally open spring clutch generally indicated at 116 is provided to selectively couple the cam shaft 106 to the power shaft 101 to drive the cam shaft through one revolution as an incident to each imprinting operation. The clutch 116 comprises a helical clutch spring 117 surrounding the abutting ends of the shafts 101 and 106.

A spring thrust washer 118 is fitted in a groove 120 in the power shaft 101 and yieldably presses against a slip washer 121 beaaring against the bearing 103 to yieldably hold the lower end of shaft 101 in contact with shaft 106.

The lower end of the clutch spring 117 is secured to an adjusting collar 122 which is adjustably secured to the cam shaft 106 by a set screw 123. The upper end of the spring 117 is normally located against a flat face 124 of a trigger 125 which is secured by an adjusting screw 126 to the rear end of the aforementioned sensing shaft 61. By rotating the screw 126 the trigger 125 may be adjusted relative to the sensing shaft 61. Lock nuts 129 lock the screws 126 in place.

Normally, the trigger 125 holds the spring 117 from gripping the power shaft 101. However, when the universal bar 60 and sensing shaft 61 are moved rearward by any type bar 22 during an imprinting operation, the trigger 125 releases the spring 117, permitting the same to contract to grip the shaft 101 and thus couple the latter to the cam shaft 106.

During rotation of the cam shaft 106, the cam 110 drives the restore shaft 74 rearwardly to cause the arcuate restore bar 73 to pick up the tail 22a of any type bar 22 which has been released through the action ofspring 26, thereby restoring such type bar counterclockwise to its recocked position. During the latter part of its rotation, the cam releases the cam follower 113 permitting the compression spring 77 to return the restore shaft 74 and bar 73 to their forward illustrated positions.

KEYBOARD UNIT The keyboard unit 15 comprises a one-piece molded keyboard frame 130 having openings 129 therein at the different key locations. Two forms of depressable key construction are provided, depending on whether or not an automatic repeat type action is desired. In those cases where an automatic repeat type action is desired, a keystem bushing of the type shown at 132 is provided. Such bushing is slideably mounted in its opening 129 and is normally held in its upper illustrated position, wherein a suitable clip 131 engages the lower surface of the keyboard frame, by a relatively heavy compression spring 134 surrounding the bushing and extending between the top of the keyboard frame and a shoulder 135 on the bushing. Preferably, the bushing is split in two parts as shown aat 132a and 132b in FIG. 11.

A keystem 136 which is rectangular in cross-section is slideably mounted in a longitudinally extending slot formed in the bushing 132 and carries a key top 137 thereon. A compression spring 138, which is lighter than the spring 134, surrounds thhe keystem 136 and is interposed between the top of the bushing 132 and the key top 137 to normally hold the key top in its raised position.

In those key locations where an automatic repeat typing action is not desired, aa modified key bushing as shown at 140 is provided. Such bushing is also preferably formed of two halves as depicted in FIG. 11 but is held from endwise movement in its opening 129 by a shoulder 141 formed on the bushing and a suitable clip 142. In other respects, the key construction is similar to that described for effecting an automatic repeat type action.

The keyboard frame 130 has a number of depending bosses 143 integral therewith, to which bellcranks 144 aare pivoted at 145. Each bellcrank has one arm thereof extending through an opening in an associated keystem 136 as shown in FIG. 10, to form a pivotal connection therewith. A vertical arm of each bellcrank 144 is pivotally connected by a link 146 (see also FIG. 1) to the associated trip lever 41, FIG. 1.

When a key associated with a bushing 132 is depressed part way with a normal key touch until it reaches the abnormal resistance of the relatively heavy spring 134, its bellcrank 144 will be rocked clockwise to an intermediate position 144a to likewise rock its trip lever 41 to its intermediate position 41a to perform a single type action as described heretofore. However. if an automatic reepeat type action is desired the key is further depressed against the added resistance of spring 134, swinging the bell-crank 144 to its extreme clockwise rocked position 144b, thereby rocking the trip lever 41 to its extreme clockwise rocked position 41b to effect automatic repeat type imprinting action. Such imprinting of successive type characters will continue as long as the key is held fully depressed.

Depression of a key top 137 associated with one of the bushings 140 to its fullest extent as indicated by the dot-dash lines 137a, will merely rock the associated trip lever 41 to its intermediate position 410 to cause a single type action regardless of whether the key is thereafter held depressed.

MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES In order to prevent inadvertent release of any of the type bars 22 from their latch shoulders 37 during shipment, storage or transportation of the typewriter, the type bars 22 are preferably held in positions shown by dot-dash lines 22b, FIG. 1, wherein their tails 22:: are raised slightly from the associated latch shoulders 37. For this purpose, a groove 147 is formed in the sensing shaft 61. By manually pressing the shaft 61 rearwardly beyond its position normally advanced by any of the type bars 22, and until the groove 147 passes the rear face 148 of an extension 149 on the segment block 20, the universal bar 60 cams under shoulders 150 formed on the holding ears 70, thus camming the type bars 22 slightly counterclockwise to their alternate positions 22b. A suitable clip or the like (not shown) is then inserted in the groove 147 to rest against the surface 148 to prevent forward movement of the shaft 61. When it is desired to operate the typewriter, the clip is withdrawn, enabling spring 64 to return the shaftt 61 forwardly.

It will be noted that in lieu of the keyboaard unit 15, other forms of actuating devices, such as remotely controlled solenoids (not shown), could be employed to actuate the trip levers 41.

I claim:

1. A typewriter or the like machine comprising type bars,

means pivotally supporting said type bars for movement to an imprinting point,

said type bars being yieldable laterally relative to the lengths thereof,

means urging said type bars towards said imprinting point, stationary latch means normally restraining said type bars from movement to said imprinting point,

deflecting means for causing said type bars to yield laterally from engagement with said latch means, and

selectively operable means for operating said deflecting means.

2. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim I wherein said deflecting means comprise cams.

3. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said urging means comprises springs for respective ones of said type bars, and

means whereby the tension of said springs may be changed to change the imprinting force of said type bars.

4. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 3 comprising an additional spring engageable by each of said type bars during movement thereof adjacent said imprinting point for retracting said type bars from said imprinting point.

5. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a type bar,

means pivotally supporting said type bar for movement to an imprinting point,

spring means for urging said type bar towards the imprinting point,

latch means for normally latching said type bar from movement to said imprinting point,

a depressable key,

means operable by said key upon depression thereof for releasing said type bar from said latch means,

power operated restore means including a restore member normally disengaged from said type bar, and

means controlled by said type bar upon movement thereof towards the imprinting point for causing said power operated restore means to move said restore member against said type bar whereby to return said type bar from said imprinting point.

6. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a plurality of type bars,

each of said type bars being yieldable laterally relative to the length thereof,

means pivotally supporting said bars in an arcuate array for movement to a common imprinting point,

yieldable means for urging said type bars towards said imprinting point,

stationary latch means normally restraining said type bar from movement towards said imprinting point,

trip members engageable with respective ones of said type bars for deflecting said type bars laterally from said latching means,

means supporting said trip members in an arcuate array concentric with said first mentioned arcuate array, and

means for selectively operating different ones of said trip members whereby to deflect respective ones of said type bars from said latch means.

7. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said trip members comprise cams for camming respective ones of said type bars laterally from said latching means.

8. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a type bar, means pivotally supporting said type bar for movement to an imprinting point,

spring means for urging said type bar towards said imprinting point,

said type bar being yieldable laterally relative to the axis of said pivotal supporting means,

stationary latch means normally restraining said type bar from movement towards said printing point,

a trip member,

means supporting said trip member for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to said first mentioned axis,

means for selectively pivoting said trip member through two different angular strokes,

a first cam on said trip member for deflecting said type bar from said latch means upon movement of said trip member through a first one of said strokes, and

a second cam on said trip member for deflecting said type bar from said latch means upon movement of said trip member through a second of said strokes.

9. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a type bar,

means pivotally supporting said type bar for movement to an imprinting point,

spring means for urging said type ba'r towards said imprinting point,

latch means for normally latching said type bar for movement towards said imprinting point,

power operated restore means for returning said type bar to latching relation with said latch means,

a key depressable to two different positions,

first means operable by said key upon depression thereof to a first one of said positions for releasing said type bar from said latch means,

said last mentioned means being ineffective to retain said type bar released from said latch means when said key is held in said first position, and

second means operable by said key upon depression thereof to a second one of said positions for releasing said type bar from said latch means,

said second means being effective to retain said type bar released from said latch means as long as said key is held in said second position.

10. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 9 wherein said first and second means comprise cams directly engageable with said type bar.

11. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a plurality of type bars,

means pivotally supporting said type bars in an arcuate array for movement towards an imprinting point,

means for urging said type bars toward said imprinting point,

latch means normally retaining said type bars from movement towards said imprinting point,

means for selectively releasing said type bars from said latch means,

an arcuate universal bar extending concentrically of said arcuate array and movable by each of said type bars during movement thereof towards said imprinting point, and

restore means controlled by said universal bar upon movement thereof by any of said type bars for restoring a said type bar from said imprinting point.

12. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 11 wherein said restore means comprises a restore element engageable with all of said type bars.

13. A typewriter or the like machine as definned in claim 1] wherein said restore means comprises an arcuate restore bar engageable with said type bars for restoring said type bars from said imprinting point,

said restore bar extending concentrically of said arcuate array, and

power means controlled by any of said type bars upon movement towards said imprinting point for moving said type bar axially of said arcuate array whereby to restore any of said type bars.

14. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 11 wherein said universal bar is effective upon movement thereof by any released one of said type bars to prevent movement of any other of said type bars towards said imprinting point.

15. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 11 comprising retaining means on each of said type bars engageable by said universal bar upon movement of said universal bar by any released one of said type bars for preventing movement of remaining ones of said type bars towards said imprinting point.

16. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 11 wherein said type bars each comprise a cam engageable with said universal bar for moving said universal bar.

17. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 16 comprising additional means on each of said type bars engageable by said universal bar upon movement thereof beyond said first mentioned movement for moving said type bars from engagement with said latch means.

18. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a plurality of type bars,

means pivotally supporting said type bars in an arcuate array for movement towards an imprinting point, spring means urging said type bars toward said im printing point, latch means normally retaining said type bars in cocked positions away from said imprinting point, means for selectively releasing said type bars from said latch means, an arcuate restore bar engageable with said type bars for restoring said type bars to said cocked positions, said restore bar extending concentrically of said arcuate array, and power means controlled by any of said type bars upon movement thereof towards said imprinting point for moving said restore bar whereby to restore any of said type bars to a said cocked position. 19. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a plurality of type bars,

each of said type bars being yieldable laterally relative to the length thereof, means pivotally supporting said type bars in an arcuate array for movement to a common imprinting point, yieldable means for moving said type bars towards said imprinting point, stationary latch means normally restraining said type bars for movement towards said imprinting point, trip members, means supporting said trip members in an arcuate array concentrically of said first mentioned arcuate array, means for selectively moving each of said trip members through either of two strokes, first cams on said trip members effective to cam respective ones of said type bars laterally from said latch means upon movement of said trip members through a first of said strokes, second cams on said trip members effective to ccam respective ones of said type bars laterally from said latch means upon movement of said trip members through a second of said strokes. 20. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a main frame,

a segment assembly including a segment member,

a plurality of type bars pivotally supported by said segment member, spring means for urging said type bars toward an imprinting point, latch means normally restraining said type bars from movement towards said imprinting point, trip members for releasing respective ones of said type bars from said latch means, and means removably securing said segment assembly to said main frame; a keyboard assembly including a keyboard support member, a plurality of keys supported by said keyboard support member for independent depression, and means removably securing said keyboard assembly to said main frame;. a power restore assembly including a restore frame member, power restore means carried by said restore frame member, and means removably securing said power restore assembly to said main frame; means connecting said keys to respective ones of said trip members; means controlled by any of said type bars upon 

1. A typewriter or the like machine comprising type bars, means pivotally supporting said type bars for movement to an imprinting point, said type bars being yieldable laterally relative to the lengths thereof, means urging said type bars towards said imprinting point, stationary latch means normally restraining said type bars from movement to said imprinting point, deflecting means for causing said type bars to yield laterally from engagement with said latch means, and selectively operable means for operating said deflecting means.
 2. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said deflecting means comprise cams.
 3. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said urging means comprises springs for respective ones of said type bars, and means whereby the tension of said springs may be changed to change the imprinting force of said type bars.
 4. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 3 comprising an additional spring engageable by each of said type bars during movement thereof adjacent said imprinting point for retracting said type bars from said imprinting point.
 5. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a type bar, means pivotally supporting said type bar for movement to an imprinting point, spring means for urging said type bar towards the imprinting point, latch means for normally latching said type bar from movement to said imprinting point, a depressable key, means operable by said key upon depression thereof for releasing said type bar from said latch means, power operated restore means including a restore member normally disengaged from said type bar, and means controlled by said type bar upon movement thereof towards the imprinting point for causing said power operated restore means to move said restore member against said type bar whereby to return said type bar from said imprinting point.
 6. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a plurality of type bars, each of said type bars being yieldable laterally relative to the length thereof, means pivotally supporting said bars in an arcuate array For movement to a common imprinting point, yieldable means for urging said type bars towards said imprinting point, stationary latch means normally restraining said type bar from movement towards said imprinting point, trip members engageable with respective ones of said type bars for deflecting said type bars laterally from said latching means, means supporting said trip members in an arcuate array concentric with said first mentioned arcuate array, and means for selectively operating different ones of said trip members whereby to deflect respective ones of said type bars from said latch means.
 7. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said trip members comprise cams for camming respective ones of said type bars laterally from said latching means.
 8. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a type bar, means pivotally supporting said type bar for movement to an imprinting point, spring means for urging said type bar towards said imprinting point, said type bar being yieldable laterally relative to the axis of said pivotal supporting means, stationary latch means normally restraining said type bar from movement towards said printing point, a trip member, means supporting said trip member for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to said first mentioned axis, means for selectively pivoting said trip member through two different angular strokes, a first cam on said trip member for deflecting said type bar from said latch means upon movement of said trip member through a first one of said strokes, and a second cam on said trip member for deflecting said type bar from said latch means upon movement of said trip member through a second of said strokes.
 9. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a type bar, means pivotally supporting said type bar for movement to an imprinting point, spring means for urging said type bar towards said imprinting point, latch means for normally latching said type bar for movement towards said imprinting point, power operated restore means for returning said type bar to latching relation with said latch means, a key depressable to two different positions, first means operable by said key upon depression thereof to a first one of said positions for releasing said type bar from said latch means, said last mentioned means being ineffective to retain said type bar released from said latch means when said key is held in said first position, and second means operable by said key upon depression thereof to a second one of said positions for releasing said type bar from said latch means, said second means being effective to retain said type bar released from said latch means as long as said key is held in said second position.
 10. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 9 wherein said first and second means comprise cams directly engageable with said type bar.
 11. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a plurality of type bars, means pivotally supporting said type bars in an arcuate array for movement towards an imprinting point, means for urging said type bars toward said imprinting point, latch means normally retaining said type bars from movement towards said imprinting point, means for selectively releasing said type bars from said latch means, an arcuate universal bar extending concentrically of said arcuate array and movable by each of said type bars during movement thereof towards said imprinting point, and restore means controlled by said universal bar upon movement thereof by any of said type bars for restoring a said type bar from said imprinting point.
 12. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 11 wherein said restore means comprises a restore element engageable with all of said type bars.
 13. A typewriter or the like machine as definned in claim 11 wherein said restore means comprises an arcuate restore bar engagEable with said type bars for restoring said type bars from said imprinting point, said restore bar extending concentrically of said arcuate array, and power means controlled by any of said type bars upon movement towards said imprinting point for moving said type bar axially of said arcuate array whereby to restore any of said type bars.
 14. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 11 wherein said universal bar is effective upon movement thereof by any released one of said type bars to prevent movement of any other of said type bars towards said imprinting point.
 15. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 11 comprising retaining means on each of said type bars engageable by said universal bar upon movement of said universal bar by any released one of said type bars for preventing movement of remaining ones of said type bars towards said imprinting point.
 16. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 11 wherein said type bars each comprise a cam engageable with said universal bar for moving said universal bar.
 17. A typewriter or the like machine as defined in claim 16 comprising additional means on each of said type bars engageable by said universal bar upon movement thereof beyond said first mentioned movement for moving said type bars from engagement with said latch means.
 18. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a plurality of type bars, means pivotally supporting said type bars in an arcuate array for movement towards an imprinting point, spring means urging said type bars toward said imprinting point, latch means normally retaining said type bars in cocked positions away from said imprinting point, means for selectively releasing said type bars from said latch means, an arcuate restore bar engageable with said type bars for restoring said type bars to said cocked positions, said restore bar extending concentrically of said arcuate array, and power means controlled by any of said type bars upon movement thereof towards said imprinting point for moving said restore bar whereby to restore any of said type bars to a said cocked position.
 19. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a plurality of type bars, each of said type bars being yieldable laterally relative to the length thereof, means pivotally supporting said type bars in an arcuate array for movement to a common imprinting point, yieldable means for moving said type bars towards said imprinting point, stationary latch means normally restraining said type bars for movement towards said imprinting point, trip members, means supporting said trip members in an arcuate array concentrically of said first mentioned arcuate array, means for selectively moving each of said trip members through either of two strokes, first cams on said trip members effective to cam respective ones of said type bars laterally from said latch means upon movement of said trip members through a first of said strokes, second cams on said trip members effective to ccam respective ones of said type bars laterally from said latch means upon movement of said trip members through a second of said strokes.
 20. A typewriter or the like machine comprising a main frame, a segment assembly including a segment member, a plurality of type bars pivotally supported by said segment member, spring means for urging said type bars toward an imprinting point, latch means normally restraining said type bars from movement towards said imprinting point, trip members for releasing respective ones of said type bars from said latch means, and means removably securing said segment assembly to said main frame; a keyboard assembly including a keyboard support member, a plurality of keys supported by said keyboard support member for independent depression, and means removably securing said keyboard assembly to said main frame; a power restore assembly incLuding a restore frame member, power restore means carried by said restore frame member, and means removably securing said power restore assembly to said main frame; means connecting said keys to respective ones of said trip members; means controlled by any of said type bars upon movement toward said imprinting point for actuating said power restore means; and means operable by said power restore means for returning any of said type bars from said imprinting point. 